The Chhattisgarh Government has constituted a single-member commission to investigate the case of deaths and illnesses following conduct of sterilisation surgery camps held at Sankri (Pendari), Gaurela, Pendra and Marwahi area of Bilaspur district in the State.
It may be recalled that 13 women died and several fell critically ill after undergoing surgery at sterilisation camps at Sankri (Pendari) of Bilaspur district on November 8, and at Gaurela, Pendra and Marwahi on November 10. A total of 138 surgeries were performed at four different Government sponsored mass sterilisation camps.
Taking immediate action on the issue, CM Raman Singh’s announced on instituting a judicial probe, the General Administration Department has issued a notification regarding formation of the Commission, officials informed.
As per the notification, Retired District and Sessions Judge Anita Jha has been entrusted with the responsibility of investigation.
The Commission will submit its report to State Government within three months from the date on which the notification was published.
After undergoing surgery at these camps, many women complained of deteriorating health. Many are still in critical condition undergoing treatment in various hospitals of Bilaspur district.
The State Government is of the opinion that judicial probe is necessary in this case of public importance.
The Commission will investigate the case on following points of reference:-
1) Was the standard protocol followed in these camps 2) What circumstances led to this incident
3) Were the medicines used in these camps were of standard quality
4) Who are the ones accountable for this incidentIJ 5) What measures can be taken to avoid recurrence of such incidences
6) Suggestions regarding Gender Equality in Family Welfare programmes of the State.
7) Probing on the points, which Commission considers to be of public importance.
The State Government has formed the Commission for a special probe of public importance, by exercising its powers conferred under Section-3 of Judicial Commission Act (60 of 1952).
The Commission may take help from any organization or expert while investigating on technical subjects or points, officials stated.